With a five day weekend before me, for the celebration of the Water Festival, it was the opportune time to get myself out of Phnom Penh and enjoy some much needed rest and relaxation. I was joined by two friends (Jenni and Kat both short-term volunteers in Cambodia) on our quest for a fun escape from our daily busy routines.
Siem Reap is a 6 hour bus trip along pot hole riddled roads with a driver that is very attached to honking his horn. We travelled on the more elite bus service (Mekong Express) to maximise on any and all comforts.
Our hotel was a quaint little place within a short walking distance of two of Siem Reap’s main markets and great areas to eat. The place also hosted a swimming pool that we made good use of.
Siem Reap is much smaller in size than the big smoke of Phnom Penh and filled with a lot more tourists. Guess that has a lot to do with the lure of Angkor Wat and the other temples. It also boosts many great places to eat, spas, (where we spent a number of hours getting pampered) and little boutique shops hidden along quiet alley ways.
Since we were a group of people who were not avid temple visitors we just spent half a day traipsing through the remaining marvels of the Angkor kingdom. Built in the 12th century it was interesting to walk around building that were that old.
Waiting for the sunrise at Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat
Bayon Temple
They are amazing architectural designs, these temples. The hard work and coordination that would have gone into hulling this giant stones and carving into them is incredible.
I would have to say the highlight of our temple visits was our stop at Ta Prohm. This temple has been left with silk cotton trees growing and climbing over the walls and rocks. One of my friends commented, “Isn’t it awesome to see how God is reclaiming this place”. God’s creation, the trees, are taking over the temple standing firm amongst the stones and rubble of man’s creation. How awesome is that!
